The Swedish sports model is built on a symbiosis between elite sports and grassroots movements, as well as volunteer work and member democracy. The model has been and remains successful, but there are challenges threatening its long-term stability. Some examples include declining volunteer engagement, the need for new funding solutions for both elite and grassroots sports, increasing demands for professionalization, and tougher international competition.

To address these challenges we need knowledge, but above all, we need a direct and informed conversation about what the future Swedish sports model should look like. For this reason, the Center for Sports and Business (CSB) and Enable Sweden are launching a new collaboration. With their different backgrounds, knowing the strengths and challenges of Swedish sports, the parties aim to contribute both to knowledge development and to new solutions.

“Swedish football and sports in general are at a crossroads and need to develop a model where tradition and identity can meet the demands for economy and professionalization. Our Center for Sports and Business attracts world-leading researchers and translates research into practical use in the field,” says Martin Carlsson-Wall, professor and head of CSB at the Stockholm School of Economics.

“Swedish football and sports are at a crossroads and need to develop a model where tradition and identity can meet the demands for economy and professionalization. Our Center for Sports and Business attracts world-leading researchers and translates research into practical benefits in the field,” says Martin Carlsson-Wall, professor and head of CSB at the Stockholm School of Economics.

Strong member democracy with Sweden as a leading example

The collaboration includes, among other things, joint educational initiatives that combine theory and practice. Another key part is to lead the discussion going forward, and engage more stakeholders in the public conversation about the future of sports.

Enable Sweden emphasizes the importance of association democracy and developing the role of sports in local communities, while clubs and associations need to be equipped for future demands.

“A robust association democracy, locally connected football clubs, and a vibrant stadium atmosphere are key issues for Enable Sweden. We are convinced that Sweden can become a leading example while maintaining these values, but the prerequisite is that we contribute to conscious member engagement, increased financial resources, and better knowledge of what needs to be done going forward. Together with CSB, we want to help reform Swedish sports and ensure we move towards a more sustainable and competitive future,” says Filip Lundberg Verendel, Enable Sweden.

By combining Enable Sweden's deep understanding of football culture and CSB's research-driven approach, the parties hope to contribute to a strong and inclusive sports model in Sweden.

For more information, please contact:

Martin Carlsson-Wall
Head of Research, Center for Sports and Business
Email: martin.carlsson-wall@hhs.se
Tel: +46-73-044 09 00

Anders Almgren
Head of Operations, Enable Sverige
Email: anders.almgren@enablesverige.se
Tel: +46-70-757 68 99